Tag Archives: rickey

‘American Idol’ Music Director Rickey Minor To Join ‘Tonight Show’

Following Kevin Eubanks’ departure, Minor will join Jay Leno in June. By Gil Kaufman Rickey Minor Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images The late-night talk show turnover machine keeps churning, as Tuesday brought news that one day after Jay Leno lost longtime bandleader Kevin Eubanks, he quickly picked up a replacement: “American Idol” music director Rickey Minor. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Minor will make his debut on “The Tonight Show” on June 7, just after Eubanks’ departure in May and the season-nine finale of “Idol” on May 26. “It is a privilege for all of us to have Rickey on board,” said Debbie Vickers, “Tonight Show” executive producer. “We couldn’t be more excited. The ‘Tonight Show’ has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it’s great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford [Marsalis].” Minor, a mostly off-camera presence on “Idol,” does bring a musical pedigree, with a long r

‘American Idol’ Bandleader Headed for Leno

Filed under: Jay Leno , Kevin Eubanks , Rickey Minor , TV TMZ has learned ” American Idol ” musical director Rickey Minor will become the new Kevin Eubanks on ” The Tonight Show ” with Jay Leno . We’re told the announcement is supposed to be made tomorrow. Eubanks is leaving the show late next month…… Read more

See the original post:
‘American Idol’ Bandleader Headed for Leno